Mercury at greatest eastern elongation, 3 February 2027
Mercury is 18.3° from the Sun — the best time to find it low in the west after sunset.
When
What it is
Mercury and Venus orbit inside the Earth’s orbit, so they never stray far from the Sun. At greatest elongation the angle is at its widest and the planet is easiest to see.
How to see it
Look west 30–60 minutes after sunset with a clear, low horizon. Mercury is bright (magnitude -0.4) but low; binoculars help — but never point them near the Sun.
Check the clouds for that night
See also
Annular solar eclipse 6 February 2027
The “ring of fire” crosses southern Chile and Argentina, the South Atlantic and West Africa. South America and much of Africa see a partial eclipse.
The Moon meets Mercury, 8 February 2027
The Moon passes 0.3° from Mercury — a pretty pair for the naked eye and the camera.
Jupiter at opposition 2027
Jupiter is opposite the Sun: up all night, at its closest and brightest (magnitude -2.4) in Leo.
Mars at opposition 2027
Mars is opposite the Sun: up all night, at its closest and brightest (magnitude -1.1) in Leo.
Mercury at greatest eastern elongation, 16 June 2026
Mercury is 24.5° from the Sun — the best time to find it low in the west after sunset.
Mercury at greatest western elongation, 2 August 2026
Mercury is 19.5° from the Sun — the best time to find it low in the east before sunrise.